Embracing 50 with grace, grit and 'Luxe' secrets

The ever-beautiful Ruffa Gutierrez turned 50 last year, and while she carried it with her signature poise, the milestone wasn't without its fears.

"When I was about to turn 50, I was feeling anxious," she admitted at a Luxe Skin media event celebrating her contract renewal as brand ambassador this week. "For three months, my whole life was flashing before me. I thought, 'Oh my God, I wish I were 20 again.'"

But in true Ruffa fashion, the resilient actress and beauty queen didn't stay in that mindset for long. "At some point, I told myself, 'You know what? I should just embrace it," she declared. "It's a blessing to still be alive, to still be healthy, and to still have work at my age."

And work she does. With three decades in the industry and counting, Ruffa remains a sought-after actress and brand endorser, with this latest project being a partnership with Luxe Skin founder Anna Magkawas. A self-confessed skincare and wellness enthusiast, Ruffa has become more intentional with her routine, prioritizing not just beauty but overall health.

"I've always taken care of myself, but this time, I'm putting in even more effort," she said. "I work out now. I eat better, and I make sure what I put in my body is good for me." Luxe Skin products, she says, fit perfectly into her proudly 50-year-old lifestyle.

"I love their Luxe Slim coffee and juices because they don't cause acidity, which is important as we get older. And I'm obsessed with the Glotion, especially because it has SPF 50," she trilled. "We should always use sun protection, even indoors, like the Koreans do."

Now, when Ruffa shares her beauty and wellness secrets, trust that she speaks from genuine experience. One look at her is proof enough that they work. For, as the T-Zone noted, despite her decades in the spotlight, Ruffa remains one of the few celebrities who have maintained a naturally stunning look in an industry where surgical enhancements have become the norm.

"Back when I was in pageants, wala pang [there were no] veneers, wala pang plastic surgery. You had to be all-natural," Ruffa pointed out when I asked her thoughts on cosmetic procedures. "Now, of course, to each her own. But for me, I'd rather take care of my skin, use the right creams, and enhance what I already have."

This confidence and commitment to self-care certainly haven't gone unnoticed, which is why Anna was more than thrilled when the showbiz royalty agreed to endorse her products. Declaring that Ruffa perfectly embodies her brand's values, the lady boss emphasized, "She's hardworking, hands-on, and uses the products. That's why we renewed our partnership because she truly represents what Luxe Skin stands for: beauty, wellness, and self-care at every age."

Beyond the products, Ruffa's approach to beauty is grounded in routine. She now swears by low-impact workouts, boxing, and a mindful diet. "My doctor said, as long as you sweat five times a week, that's already good," she shared. "And, of course, you have to sleep well. That's when real beauty maintenance happens."

Anna, who ensures Luxe Skin's safety and efficacy by collaborating with doctors and R&D experts, added, "To lose weight and have beautiful skin can't be done by magic. Our products help, but you also have to do the work. That's why we love working with Ruffa — she takes care of herself, and our products complement that."

And while Ruffa now fully embraces being 50, she's also proving that age is no barrier to success. "People ask me, 'Why are you still working?' And I say, 'Why not?'" she laughed. "My parents are in their 80s and still working. I love what I do. Women should never stop just because society tells them to."

Her timely message to her fellow females this Women's Month? "Be confident in your own skin. Take care of yourself and eep moving forward." It's certainly this mindset — and not just her luxe secrets — that keeps Ruffa glowing at 50 and beyond.